Not sure what it means...

[Wings]

...Probably means I'm an idiot (I'm sure I'll be called one), but I have to pass this along anyhow....

In the past five years I've used no anti-virus program. I have used a firewall and various anti-spyware programs. (I'm currently using Windows Defender). I've upgraded computers (new computer) once in that time. The current one is now about two years old.

For two years, in a period that used both computers, I ran my web site from my computer using the Apache web server. (I'd still be doing that, but my users were complaining about the speed, so I had to move it out to a commercial host. I was doing it from dial-up ).

In that five year period I had three instances of malware that my anti-spyware couldn't handle - Malware that I had to go seek out other programs to get rid of. If memory servers, win fixer, vundo, and smitfraud were the culprits.

My surfing habits are relatively clean. I did very little of the porn thing, for example. However, I did pirate a number of mp3s. I think one or two of the malwares above came from that source - so I gave that up. (Now that you can buy individual songs on-line for 99 cents, who needs to pirate)?

Like I say, I'm not sure what it all means, but in watching the battle between users and malware here and at other places, I just felt compelled to mention this.

[Broni]

Well...I can only say, that you're very lucky person, and not too wise (I'm sorry). I even won't elaborate.

[evilfantasy]

Like I say, I'm not sure what it all means, but in watching the battle between users and malware here and at other places, I just felt compelled to mention this.

And I feel compelled to mention that there is no telling who may have watched you (virtually) type all of that out.

Do you use an antivirus now?

[Broni]

It's like....OK, I won't be using condoms, and I'll see what happens.
Sure thing, in many cases, nothing will happen, but, if something happens ONCE, that's good enough.

[Wings]

Yo! Hahaha. Indeed, I hear you guys, but I guess I'll probably stumble along as is until I get bit good. As for someone watching me virtually as I type, I don't think so. My machine seems to be in fine shape, and people say I have the fastest dial-up they ever saw. (I live in the sticks).

My last computer still works fine, although I seldom take it on-line any more. This one, being about two years old, is approaching replacement time. I just feel I'm going to retire it without bugs also.

When/if they get me good, I'll let you know. I'll also check in next Nov to let you know they haven't gotten me yet, if that should be the case. (grin)

Thanks for the comments.

 

[evilfantasy]

The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it
~ Albert Einstein

[patio]

If there are solid protection programs out there ( FREE ) i don't get the logic of not using them...
But to each his own i guess.
I just hope you do regular backups of your important data.

[Broni]

i don't get the logic of not using them

Because, there is no logic to it.

[Wings]

Well, I'm not a conspiracist, but I do have some strange thoughts now and then. For example, if all the malware scripts on the internet were to suddenly disappear tomorrow, who is it that would SUFFER from this?

No, I don't BELIEVE anti-virus companies would write viruses. On the other hand, I don't KNOW either, and I have NO reason to trust anyone who's main concern is the bottom line.  I do know, however, that these companies are in an ideal position to create the menace that feeds their bottom line. As Fantasy points out, evil is everywhere. (grin)

But until/unless that abject lesson arrives, I'm going to avoid all those people in the business as much as I can. And I feel my 5 year history answers the condom and logic viewpoints adequately. Experience has to count for something.

[evilfantasy]

No, I don't BELIEVE anti-virus companies would write viruses. On the other hand, I don't KNOW either, and I have NO reason to trust anyone who's main concern is the bottom line.  I do know, however, that these companies are in an ideal position to create the menace that feeds their bottom line. As Fantasy points out, evil is everywhere. (grin)

Contradiction advisory: Many of the best Avs are FREE......

Keep the Tinfoil hat on and you should be OK.

As patio suggested, I hope you back-up your important stuff.

[Wings]

Yes, we are only half a wit, so everything important is backed up.

And software being free doesn't necessarily mean that it isn't making money for someone, somehow.

[Wings]

In looking back over these posts I realize that maybe I left a wrong impression. I do not advocate that anyone give up using anti-spyware. My somewhat unique story may be just that, unique, and those who pointed out that I've just been lucky, quite likely are right.

That said, I'm still not gonna fix anything unless it breaks. (grin)

[Don77]

but I do have some strange thoughts now and then. For example, if all the malware scripts on the internet were to suddenly disappear tomorrow, who is it that would SUFFER from this?

The malware writers if you think they do it for the pure fun of it your highly mistaken its close to a billion dollar trade do some research on it you will be pretty amazed and I agree with the rest surfing the net with no AV is silly

[evilfantasy]

Good point Don77, in my search for fixes I have come across some pretty interesting articles on the writers. There are actually underground malware writing groups. Their goal is to become famous for unleashing the next "big one" that sends internet users and more so corporations into fits of fear.

[CBMatt]

That said, I'm still not gonna fix anything unless it breaks. (grin)

Probably not the best approach, but we'll be here when you need us.  Keep in mind that just because you don't see a problem, that doesn't mean there isn't one.